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Sunday, December 3

First Sunday of Advent

Seeking a Savior

We begin the season of Advent with two contrasting images: those who will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming, and those who raise their heads awaiting their redemption. What sets the second group apart? I experience and admit my sinfulness, my emptiness, my inability, that persistent wound and lack of completeness which characterizes my very existence. I will never admit to needing a savior. If I am not seeking a savior then Jesus Christ becomes just a name, just a word. In John’s Gospel, Jesus says, “I will not reject anyone who comes to me.” (John 6:27). Therefore we have no reason to fear the coming of our Lord, as long as we are sincerely begging for and awaiting his coming. The one who is coming has pity on our nothingness, and is always moved by our begging. “Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find.” (Matthew7:7) In today’s Gospel, Jesus advises us to pray for the strength to stand before the Son of Man. Our strength is our asking. Let us, in all of our weakness and sin, stand erect as Advent begins. For if we stand begging before the Son of Man then his power will be made perfect in our weakness. ~~Father Richard Veras

Loving Father, let give me the grace to face the truth of myself, and to hand myself over to you this Advent.